Rs 580m Bernard Aluwihare Sports Complex nears completion
State Minister Vasantha Aluwihare inspecting the progress of the project
Construction work on the proposed ‘Bernard Aluwihare Sports Complex’ in Matale, at an estimated cost of Rs 580 million, is in progress, and is expected to be completed by year end. Under this project, the existing Bernard Aluwihare Stadium will be developed and upgraded to international standards and, once completed, it will have a 400-metre synthetic Track, a new Pavilion with modern facilities, a 25-metre-long Swimming Pool and an Indoor Stadium for Badminton, Table Tennis,Volleyball, Karate, Netball, Basketball etc. State Minister of Agriculture and Matale MP Vasantha Aluwihare, while playing a major role in this project as an observer, has also intervened to expedite completing the project as scheduled. Mr Aluwihare, being a sports enthusiast- represented his alma mater Trinity College, Kandy, in Athletics, Football Cricket) stated he was grateful to President Maithripala Sirisena, Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe and Sports Minister Dayasiri Jayasekara for their blessings, advice and guidance, and also for providing funds for the uninterrupted construction work.
He also said how he was able to convince the Prime Minister of the importance of a synthetic Track (the first of its kind outside Colombo) in Matale and get his approval to release Rs 320 million from a special vote, for its construction.
Minister checking the proposed plan
According to Mr Aluwihare, this Sports Complex with its modern facilities will enable District sportsmen and women to endeavour with more enthusiasm and commitment for national and international achievements.
Athletics, Football and Rugby are the only sports that will be allowed to be staged here.
Meanwhile, MP Aluwihare was elected President of the newly formed Matale District Sports Development Council (MDSDC), at its inaugural meeting held at the Minister’s office in Matale.
The new council, a brainchild of the minister, was formed by a few enthusiastic and interested veteran sports personalities from Matale, who are icons in various sports.
MDSDC, under the leadership of the new president, has drawn up plans to implement several programmes to develop and uplift sports in Matale.
Under this programmes, new sports will be introduced, in addition to the existing sports events. Workshops, Training Programmes, Coaching Camps, School and Club tournaments will be conducted annually.
Office-bearers:
President: Vasantha Aluwihare
Vice Presidents: Ruwan Palliyaguru, P. Vasudevan, Jayantha Wicramanayake, Lasantha Balasuriya,
Thilak Wimalasinghe
Convener: Ranjith Aluwihare
Secretary: Eric Hulangamuwa
Asst. Secretary: Vidantha Attanayake
Treasurer: Mahinda Amunugama
Asst. Treasurer: Janaka Aluwihare
Advisory Board: District Secretary, District Sports Officer, Director of Education (Sports),Matale, and Senior Superintendent of Police Matale.